Growing Up & Moving On

A bowl full of lemons.: May Silhouette Giveaway!!#c4071094626019647208

2011-05-20T11:20:00.000-04:00

A bowl full of lemons.: May Silhouette Giveaway!!#c4071094626019647208

NO computer.

2010-05-03T18:44:00.001-04:00

Trying a new app to see if I can upload a photo...

2010-05-03T18:42:00.002-04:00

phone trial

2010-05-03T11:19:00.001-04:00

I now have a new phone that allows me to post on the go. Let's see if this helps me stay a little more updated.

New Business!

2009-01-20T22:44:00.004-05:00

So, yes, I am obsessed! I am now an Independant Consultant for a wonderful business. I love scentsy... It makes my house smell, you know, the way you walk in want to close the door and do it again, yeah, that's how good it smells. I love the awesome warmers that are also might I add safe! I could ramble on all day about Scentsy... I know am just struggling with how to choose things for myself, I love it all! Check it out yourself and fall in love... I just wish you could smell through a computer!

Tonya Barber

www.scentsy.com/tonya_barber

scentsuparty@yahoo.com

CHECK IT OUT!

PS... I swear I will put pics of the new house up very soon!

In the mind of me...

2008-04-16T21:47:00.014-04:00

For some reason the last few days I've been thinking alot. It's probably being at home alone while my other half is at work on 2nd shift. I find myself thinking alot about my family, my past, my future, my life. I thought I'd share a little of where my mind has been. I think of my family... My mom and dad have always been there and continue to be. Over the past 2-3 years I have realized more and more just how thankful I truly am for my parents and how they raised me, taught me, loved me, and supported me throughout my life.

My dad has been inspiration teaching me how to work hard and stick by your family no matter what. My mom has taught me to be creative and strive for everything in reach.

Next there is my sister and brother. Yes, I am the baby and yet so much in "between" my siblings. In many ways I am my sister, yet, in many other ways I am my brother. The two of them are nothing alike. You may even look at pictures of us and agree that

I even look like both of them.

First, my sister. Growing up we couldn't stand each other 95% of the time. But over the last five years I have began to understand her more and she likewise understands me more than ever. Our odd sistership has now grown into a friendship. I love talking to her, learning from her, and laughing about life with her. Whether she knows it or not she is an inspiration to me.

Then, on the totally opposite hand there is my brother. He has a totally different type of connection with me. We are both ridiculous, witty, daring, and rebellious in our own ways. My brother has had his tough times and often I have felt like his big sister helping him along, but its worth it. He can be anything he wants to be and in recent days I think he is beginning to see that himself. Growing up he was my bully yet my protector and we continue to laugh and linger through life and past together.

An experience I have been blessed to have is the honor of being an aunt. My sister's sons Jonathan, David, and ? I never knew how much nieces and nephews could mean to one. I still wonder how in the world it is possible to love your own child any more than these little pieces of my family. Jonathan is 4 he was the first of this unbounding love. He is insane phone calls, proud learning, laughter with no end, nonsense conversations, the cutest ring bearer ever, and incredible hugs and kisses. David, a special little guy many of you never knew. He was only with us for about six hours but touched so many with that short time. He precious and peaceful and life changing. It broke my heart to lose him so quickly but I know that God had and has his purposes. Last, there is "?" his name is a secret. He hasn't arrived yet. But still I know that we will have many precious times in the future. I know we will laugh, love, and share life just as I have with little "J". I can't wait to meet him this summer.

Another special person is my grandmother. No one but God will ever understand just how much she means to me. I miss my grandma dearly and hate being so far away. She has always been a listening ear, encourager, support, inspiration, Godly, and love beyond belief. My grandmother has always been there for me. She listens and speaks her mind only for the benefit of those around her. I don't think I've ever known anyone that could match that of my grandma!

Looking back on my past I think of someone who we all know was one of the biggest losses in my life. I miss my grandaddy and I don't know if that feeling will ever fade. At the same time I don't ever really want it to. He was beyond friend. He was my number 1 fan and just the same I was his. I think back on times spent with him and emotions from all degrees overfill my spirit. There were many jokes, actions, and days that make me laugh till I can't breathe. Then, there are times that make me smile with warmth because I still feel his love and support. There were also the times that I think about that simply bring me to tears because there are no words to express how I feel. Grandaddy I strive to make you proud... I miss you dearly!

When I think about my future I think of a commitment I made almost two years ago. The man I married, Brandon Barber. Though many times people only hear about my hard times and complaints (as in many marriages) I want to anounce to the world... I love my husband and would never change June 24, 2006! I don't give him my appreciation enough but he is wonderful he supports me, encourages me, provides, keeps me on my toes, my feet ground on earth, and makes me laugh until I cry. Yet, above all he loves me beyond my flaws. Brandon I can't wait to see all that our future holds.

Well, that is just the beginning of my thoughts. Maybe I should post more often because I still have so much to say.

My First Fieldtrip...

2007-11-19T21:59:00.000-05:00

Being the "new kid on the block" I have found myself getting all of the "dirty" jobs. One of which, to plan a science fieldtrip for the 5th grade. So being the ambitionist that I am... I did. It ended in success! I worked on booking buses, the trip, and collecting money. Finally, Nov. 2nd we took our first fieldtrip to the NC Zoo. I was just as excited as the kids because we all know how much I LOVE the Zoo. We met at the school at 5:30 am headed to NC, spent the day, and returned at 7:00pm. What a long but wonderful day!

Here is a little glimpse of our success.

Overwhelmed...

2007-10-22T17:31:00.000-04:00

So I feel like everything happens at once. I never have a second to even reflect sometimes. School is great but at times it becomes my life. Teaching is not a job that you can leave at the door and leave when your eight hours is up. Yet, teaching has given such purpose to my life. I love what I do, even the days when I'm not sure how I'll ever find the time to do it all. Otherwise life has been jam packed lately. A week ago we got the opportunity to head to the beach for a few days of much needed R&R. It was great to spend time with family and get away. This past week was hard because some of our closest friends went through the trial of losing a baby. This brought back so many memories from my own life yet I will still never be able to fully understand what they are going through. Our prayers are with them. I am currently working on lots of stuff for school and tons of un-touched apron fabric. Then I will be headed to my sister's this weekend for a very unprepared craft fair. That is all for now I better hit the machine... Sewing machine that is!

Welcome to Mrs. Barber's Class!

2007-09-03T21:21:00.000-04:00

So if you know me, you know that I always have to go "over the top." Well, my classroom was no different. I spent several weeks getting things ready, after sewing all summer. And now I present to you... My second home... My classroom.

My Welcoming Wreath

The View of Entry

Our Cozy Reading Corner where my kids beg to come.

This is what the kids now know as the new "myspace." My desk and tech area.

My teaching table.

My stool that I painted and covered,

thanks to the donation of my mother-in-law.

One of the many dragonflies, butterflies, and bees

hanging from my ceiling.

Hope you enjoyed your tour!

A New Beginning...

2007-08-26T22:40:00.000-04:00

So I thought I would write a little bit as I am contemplating the Big Step that will occur tomorrow. Tomorrow is the first day of school. My first day of teaching! A new step in my life. As I think about the day ahead I am excited, nervous, happy, and sad. I am excited that it is finally time to do what I was meant to do. Nervous to think about all that will have to be done and if I can really succeed. Happy because I will do what I love, yet, sad because I think about my Grandaddy. He cried on my first day of Kindergarten and I know that he would cry tomorrow. He would be proud of me and what I have done. I just know that he will be looking down on me with pride and joy tomorrow. He said before he died that he wanted to know that I was going to college to make something of myself. I did and now I am beginning that journey of making something of not only myself but the young minds of the 85 students that I will be teaching this year. Grandaddy I'm doing the best that I can and I hope you are proud... I love you and miss you! Well, I better be off to bed to start a new day and new step in life tomorrow. Wish me luck.

A hat for a monkey...

2007-08-06T18:22:00.000-04:00

Oh wait this special little chef's hat is for Jonathan but it looks like his twin found it first.

There you go lil' J... I did it. The monkey is just a model.

Here's your chef's hat to match your apron.

It will be in the mail soon!

For MY LIL MAN

2007-08-02T22:12:00.000-04:00

As requested by my favorite little guy on earth....

Jonathan Here I present your Thomas Apron!

I'm still waiting on your mommy to measure your head for your chef's hat! Hope you like it.

Back to the sewing machine for me!

What A Deal!

2007-07-28T19:23:00.000-04:00

So on my last post I told you about making aprons and how I thought I would start persuing it as a little more serious business opportunity. Well, maybe not business, but possibly craft fairs and sales. So I went on a mission today to stock up some fabric drawers at the best price possible. I hit the Jackpot!

My first trip was the usual Wally World and Hobby Lobby... I thought I did well there finding fabrics at $1 and $2 a yard.

Then my mother-in-law (after I got back) informed me that a local textile store was going out of business and everything was 50% off. So my thought... "hmm, if I can find cheap sheets and shower curtains I can cut them and use the fabric."

When I got there it was even better....

They had a whole bin of unfinished bedding sets in bundles. In other words they had taken the fabric reams that were to be used for bedding comforters, sheets, shams, and the works and didn't sew them but bundled the fabric for sale. We are talking yards and yards of coordinating fabrics for anywhere from $2.50 - $15.00. I found 3 or 4 bundles, a few sheet sets, and an unfinished duvet to use for apron fabric. Needless to say I spent 1/2 of what I did at W.M. and H.L. and got twice the fabric... If only I had known sooner.

This is my steal...

A few examples from my stacks...

Apron Business

2007-07-27T12:07:00.000-04:00

So my newest idea is to whip up some aprons. My sis called yesterday and asked me to help her with a craft show in Oct. My contribution will be aprons. I have to stock up on fabric to try various sizes and styles.

This is a child size apron I whipped up last night for my nephew. He told me not to, but when he sees it I think he'll change his mind.

Yay I'm getting good at this. Now let's get creative.

My Latest Achievements

2007-07-21T19:22:00.000-04:00

So my summer is almost gone and I haven't gotten nearly enough done. Nor have I done alot of the things I said I would do. Surprise! I guess my idea has been that since it is summer I might as well combine my hobbies with things that can be used for school. Now these might night be the most Important things I need to do for my classroom but they are definately more enjoyable... so then at least I can do what I like and still be somewhat productive.

The last week or so I have gotten a few things accomplished. First, I finished my two sets of curtains to cover the massive 6ft x 6ft windows in my room. (No pic they are being fire proofed.) Then, I completed all 12 of my crates with skirts a day or so ago. they aren't bad to make... but 12. Ugh!

During my sister's stay with me I fed off of some of her oh so creative juices to get a jump start on one of my last projects. I had picked up this oversized decorative clipoard from Micheal's about 3 months ago with the intentions of decorating to use as my teacher clipboard. It had not happened so I asked her to help me get some ideas. We picked out paper and wooden embelishments and I got to work. This is what we came up with. It keeps the theme alive.

These days frogs say "Brber" so my sister says. (Guess you'd have to be there.)

My next project was an apron for my classroom. See my thought is hmmm... Science teacher= Mess, so I need an apron for projects so my clothes aren't ruined all the time. And of course I come from the family that would rather make things than buy them. Plus I would much rather be able to be creative and have a unique item that no one else has. So my last project was an experiment apron. (So I call it.)

This is the fabric color scheme for the whole apron. As you can see the main part is stripe frogs and the pockets are green and pink.

But the even better part is.....

It's REVERSABLE!

The reverse side is the green speckled fabric with two small dragonfly appliques at the chest of the apron. Isn't that nifty.

Speaking of getting things done I must shower to head to a 5th grade meeting.

Visitors

2007-07-18T21:15:00.000-04:00

So I had some visitors. My sister and the little man came to visit last Tuesday and stayed until Saturday. We had lots of fun and did lots of neat things. We took a trip to the Natural Bridge Zoo. Jonathan's favorite thing was to feed the animals.

Jonathan will tell you that his favorite thing to feed was the baby camel. He wasn't so sure about the big one though.

I held Jonathan up to feed the giraffe only one time. He thought is was sooo funny to see his long purple tongue, but he wouldn't feed him again.

Notice the goat in the background.

There goes the food bag. That sneaky little goat stole Jonathan's bag of feed. He tried to get it back but it was hopeless. Good thing I bought 3 bags of feed for him.

Overall we had a good week and lots of fun. Jonathan wanted to stay, but he had to go. Even though he told his mommy, "But you can go, I want to miss you."

For those who think I have nothing to do....

2007-06-28T15:24:00.000-04:00

Well many (really just 2) people think that since it is summer then I have nothing to do and I should be updating my blog every other day. Well they are wrong. I think I have been busier since school let out than I was while I was working. So the week after school released I worked on transporting half of my basement to the school. For those who missed out on the piece of info that fits in there... I got a teaching job! Yay! Finally after a year in this journey I have gotten a real job. I will be teaching fifth grade science this fall. I am so excited and feel like God's hand was in it all along... If I could have hand picked my school, grade, and subject, I'm getting just what I would have wanted. So anyway, back to the point. After days of moving stuff and getting the other teachers stuff out. I then had a county workshop to attend. The following week I started workshops (graduate hours) at Sweet Briar College. After nine days of tests, homework, classes, and more tests I have a day off. But not for long because I really have alot to do to get ready for the school year.

Over this period of time I have also been busy sewing and building and planning my classroom. I needed a theme. Something bright, colorful, and sciency! Frogs... Was my answer I am making frog and polka dot curtains along with these wonderful little book crate seats for my reading area!

The nice thing is that these little stools are padded for seating yet the lid can be removed to store books and things without the massive space of a bookcase. I have made 12 of these bad boys and am quite excited about them.

On the other hand I also ordered these darling butterflies, bees, and dragonflies that will hang from my ceiling. Check them out at http://www.bugs-n-blooms.com/. I also purchased this desk lamp as an unusual find on ebay.

The next task is to get my brother to help me make a bar height kidney shaped table that we will paint green like a lily pad for me to teach from. And to answer the question you are asking yourself in that head of yours.... Yes, I take everything to the extreme!

But those other things will have to wait a while... Tomorrow I am getting a haircut, I have a fifth grade meeting, then we are headed to B-town and then the beach on Sat. morning to meet my absolute best friends that we never get to see anymore. (this whole post is for her and my sister) Maybe my summer will start then, and I really can post more often.

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2007-03-05T22:58:00.000-05:00

Life has been a little Crazy lately. The last few weeks have held lots of excitement, sadness, joy, and heartache. You see my sister found out at about 5 1/2 months of pregnancy that there were some major medical problems with her baby. Time passed and months flew by. On February 19th the time came to give birth to David Elisha Nale. Unfortunately he did not make it, he went on to be with God. We were, however, fortunate enough to be blessed with about 5 hours of life to enjoy little David. It was a sad yet wonderful family time, when we all got to spend his last moments with him in the hospital room. Everyone got the opportunity to hold him and love on him for his entire life, though it was short. We will greatly miss David but, we all know that God has a special plan involving David's life! We will see him again oneday. Until then we have some wonderful photos of our time together seen here.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-02-06T16:43:00.000-05:00

So A dear friend who misses me wants to be a part of my life,

and she keeps fussing at me because

my blog is not helping her do that....

Here you are Jennifer,

you can enjoy my birthday with me!

Happy Birthday To Me!

I wanted a birthday cake but I knew we'd never eat it all. So here is my personal birthday cake that we got myself from Wal-Mart.

This is the bouquet of flowers that my wonderful husband sent to me at work. Cricket wasn't real sure about them.

She kept smelling them and trying to eat them.

For my birthday (actually we went for my mom's gift)

we went to the Vera Bradley shops around here

and I had wanted a really big teaching bag

(not necessarily Vera) and

Brandon decided that it should match my purse so

I got a Mesa Red Vera Bag to tote my school junk in.

It's huge, it zips and has lots of pockets....

It's perfect but was a little pricey.

He also thought I needed a checkbook cover

so now here is my collection.

Brandon also thought Cricket needed Vera.

So she is now styling and showing off her very own

Vera Bradley collar.

She loves it!

This was a picture that I was trying to show you my

Vera Bradley collection but Cricket was being

a camera hog with her collection.

Just thought I'd say....

2007-01-12T23:10:00.000-05:00

No one really looks at my blog besides Jennifer, and she has been bugging me about not writing ANYTHING! Well over the past few months... We moved into a little rental house to get out of the apartment, Survived Christmas (thanks for all of the wonderful gifts from family and friends), I got all of my passing scores for my VA teaching license, and I GOT A JOB. It's not the best job in the world and doesn't really pay alot but I'm getting my foot in the door. The first week of the new year I subbed all week and was offered an Instructional Aide job. So I thought I better take it so that I can get my foot in the door for when openings start being posted for next year. I may be at the bottom of the totem pole but at least I am now officially on the pole. Well now that we finally have the internet at our new place I will try to actually update this whole blog thing a little more often. : )

Thing-a-ma-jig

2006-11-13T17:29:00.000-05:00

So I went shopping in Smithfield on Saturday with my sis, mom, and nephew. We had a great time at the outlets and we went to a bead shop in a flea market there too. The shop had everything you could ever want to make jewelry. The cool thing is that the man that runs the shop will show you how to do anything as long as you will buy the supplies from him. I bought a Thing-a-ma-jig that allows you to do bent wire jewelry, which I had been wondering how they did it. He showed me the basic idea and I made a clover loop, but I knew it was going to take some practice... So as soon as I got home I made this bracelet I found online. This is what came out...

It's not perfect but for the first attempt, I'd say it's pretty darn good. I'm sure there will be many more to come, because once you get the hang of a certain loop it gets easier so I suppose over time the whole technique will get alot easier.

A Yabadabbadoo... Halloween

2006-11-08T18:15:00.000-05:00

Brandon was giving a big Yabadabba Dooooo!

This is the happy stoneage couple...

Brandon and I went to a Halloween Party with lots of people that he works with. The rule was that you had to dress up... Needless to say Brandon was NOT thrilled by this at all so we had to dress up together and go in a couple costume. We searched and searched nothing was quite right... Well quite BRANDON. So our final choice Fred and Wilma Flintstone. We couldn't find any costumes except for online and they were outrageously priced. So I ventured off to sew up some costumes, this is what came out of it...

So I'm gonna give it a try...

2006-11-08T17:56:00.000-05:00

Well my sister does this whole blog thing because she is 2 hours away from our parents and 12 hours away from Justin's. So I thought I'd give it a try since I am 2 hours from our parents, 1 from Brandon's, and 4 from my sister. So we'll see how this works. I will be learning so give me a break...